Summary
- Joby Aviation received FAA approval for ElevateOS software to launch groundbreaking air taxi service in 2025.
- New software enables on-demand flights like ground ride-sharing apps, promising seamless mobility for travelers.
- Joby Aviation expanding operations to Dubai and securing partnerships for innovative eVTOL air taxi services.
Joby Aviation has received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use a suite of in-house-developed software tools, known as ElevateOS, to support its planned air taxi operations. The software suite includes pilot tools, operations and schedule management software, and an intelligent matching engine, which is similar to what existing ride-sharing apps use to match users with a driver. The California-based air taxi startup company hopes to commence operations in 2025.
Image: Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation’s Chief Product Officer, Eric Allison, shared excitement at the approval, which follows two years of rigorous real-world testing, saying
“The air taxi service we plan to deliver isn’t like any sort of air travel that’s existed before. We expect travelers to book on-demand and to be boarding an aircraft just minutes later, much like the experience of using ground-based ridesharing today. That required us to totally rethink the software and the operations of these aircraft. We’ve built ElevateOS from the ground up to enable high-tempo, on-demand flights that will deliver true time savings and seamless mobility to customers.”
About Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation was founded in 2009, and intends to develop an air taxi service using electronic vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In 2021, it grew significantly by acquiring Uber Elevate, the air taxi division of Uber, which had previously offered users the opportunity to book helicopter transfers within the New York City area to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Uber Elevate also had plans to expand its services to Dallas, Los Angeles, and Melbourne.
Then, in October 2022, Joby Aviation entered its first airline partnership, receiving backing worth $60 million from Delta Air Lines. The SkyTeam carrier is hoping to offer home-to-airport flights in both New York and Los Angeles as part of its investment.
Image: Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation also plans to launch in Dubai as part of a six-year exclusive agreement. When the plans were announced earlier this year, the company’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, said,
“Today’s landmark agreement delivers on all three ingredients required to successfully launch an air taxi service – a definitive path to operations, well-placed infrastructure supported by dedicated partners, and an aircraft with the capacity and range to deliver meaningful journeys. We’re looking forward to delivering an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai as early as 2025 and we’re excited to be laying the groundwork for the expansion of our service across the wider UAE.”
eVTOL air taxi services
Joby Aviation’s planned first eVTOL aircraft will be able to carry up to four passengers plus a pilot. It will also be capable of traveling up to 150 miles (240 km) on a single charge, with a top speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). The aircraft is planned to be up to 100 times quieter than a conventional helicopter during take-off and landing and near-silent when in flight. Crucially, it will emit zero operating emissions too.
Photo: Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation is not the only startup company hoping to launch air taxi services soon. Archer Aviation recently teamed up with Signature Aviation to offer planned air taxi services at several United Airlines hubs, including Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

Read more:
Archer Aviation Moves Towards Operating Taxi Services At Major United Airlines Hubs
A partnership with Signature Aviation will permit Archer’s pilotless aircraft at its private terminals.
What do you think of Joby Aviation gaining FAA approval for its air taxi software? Would you use the service once it is up and running? Share your thoughts by commenting below.